Denmark has announced plans to convert 15% of its farmland into forest and natural habitats to reduce the use of fertilizer and combat oxygen depletion in Danish waters, which has caused significant marine life loss. Lawmakers revealed the initiative on November 18, 2024, as part of the country’s broader environmental efforts.

The Danish government has allocated 43 billion Danish crowns ($6.1 billion) to acquire farmland over the next two decades. This first move includes planting one billion trees on repurposed farmland and establishes Denmark as the first nation to impose a carbon tax on agriculture.

This effort is part of the Green Tripartite Agreement, a deal struck in last June among farmers, industry representatives, labor unions, and environmental groups. The Ministry for the Green Tripartite Agreement, established in August, will oversee its implementation.

Agriculture is Denmark’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing these emissions is crucial for the country to meet its legally binding target of cutting emissions by 70% from 1990 levels by 2030.

Danish waters have experienced alarmingly low oxygen levels this year due to nutrient runoff from fertilizers, prompting urgent action to mitigate environmental damage.

Link: https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/land-use-biodiversity/denmark-convert-15-farmland-forest-cut-fertilizer-use-2024-11-18/